2006 Family Newsletter

Dear Family and Friends,
We hope that you all had a very enjoyable Christmas. We didn’t get Christmas cards out again this year so we thought we’d send out New Year’s greetings. We hope this letter finds you healthy and happy. 2006 was an eventful year full of challenges, changes, but most of all blessings. Here’s what’s been going on in the Houghton household…


Emma is now two-years-old and is enjoys doing her “work” all day. According to her, “work” is moving her things from one place to another making little messes all over the house. She loves to be outside and could probably live at the park if allowed. Swinging is her favorite. She likes to help her mommy cook and is very helpful. She enjoys playing with her dolls and kitchen. She has discovered the joy of friends and finally likes Nursery (it’s only taken a year!). She’s a little spit-fire and a joy to us all. It’s so fun to have a little girl around!


Max just turned seven last month and has started First Grade this year. He had no problem adjusting to going to school all day. He loves his teacher and is learning new things everyday. He has worked hard and has improved a great deal in his reading. Math` is his favorite subject and is very proud of the fact that he can add. He is also a great artist. He really enjoys drawing and building things. He has a great imagination. He loves being outside and riding his bike. He loves playing with his brothers, sisters, and cousins. He and Emma have become very close over the past year. He’s a great big brother! He is looking forward to turning eight next year so he can be baptized and go to cub scouts!


Cole is eleven and in the sixth grade. This year in school he has a good teacher that expects a great deal from him. He has worked very hard so far and is doing great in school. He is enjoying his new-found talent—playing the guitar. He has learned some chords on his own and will begin taking lessons this spring. He finished Cub Scouts this year and earned his Arrow of Light. He’s now in the Eleven-year-old scouts and was very excited to go on his first Boy Scout campout. He really enjoys the outdoors and is looking forward to going on the week-long bike trip this summer with Lee and the boys. Last summer, he took golf lessons and getting really good at it. He enjoys playing with his dad and brothers. Cole is still our comedian. He is truly gifted in this area! He’s very funny but he knows there’s a time and a place for being funny and we appreciate that. We can always count on Cole to make us laugh. He always has a smile on his face! Cole is a joy and we are so thankful he’s in our family!


Scott is thirteen and an eighth grader this year. He’s involved in many things at school. He’s a member of NJHS (National Junior Honor’s Society) and has been involved in many service projects so far this year with NJHS. At Christmas, he helped organize a toy drive at school. They collected 120 toys and he was excited to deliver them to the Boys and Girls Club here in Provo. He also is in Leadership and helps plan student activities at the school. He still plays the trumpet and is in the Concert Band and Jazz Band. He has to go to school every morning an hour early to be in the Jazz band. He sets a good example of dedication for us all. Even with all his involvement in school, he has earned a 4.0 every term since he’s been in Middle School. We are very proud of his accomplishments! He also enjoys Boy Scouts and has earned his Star ranking. He serves as patrol leader in the scouts and as Deacon’s Quorum Second Councilor at church. Scott is a budding film producer and enjoys making short films with his brothers. He is very creative and loves to make movies and mix music tracks on the computer. He also plays golf and is a natural. Scott is a hard worker and is willing to help whomever and whenever he can. He is a big help with Emma!


Jake is fifteen and in tenth grade. He has surprised us all this year by how much he has grown in such a short time. He has gone from 5’10” at Easter to 6’2” by end of summer! He worked last summer at a scout camp as a counselor. It was an exciting adventure for him but scary too. A bear came into the camp one night and attacked one of the other counselors through his tent! Then a week later, Jake lost his footing and fell down a small cliff and broke his collar bone. It was definitely a summer to remember for him! He is doing great in school and has taken on a very demanding schedule this year including Physiology, Pre-Calculus, Chemistry ,and Honor’s English. He goes to early-morning seminary so he could take eight classes at school instead of seven. Jake has always enjoyed learning. He is still playing the French Horn in the school’s Wind Ensemble and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has surprised us all by playing the piano again. He is doing very well at both instruments. He has completed all the requirements for his Eagle Scout except his project which he will be completing hopefully this spring. He serves as the Teacher’s Quorum President in church. He enjoys golf, music, camping, soccer, and ping-pong. He is a great young man and tries his best in everything he does. We couldn’t be more pleased with Jake’s abilities and accomplishments!


Elisabeth is eighteen and a freshman at Southern Utah University. (Can you believe it!?!) This has been a big year for her. She graduated from Provo High with honors in May. She received a scholarship for college which pays for almost all of her tuition and fees. We are so proud of her accomplishments! She also received her Young Women’s Medallion in June. She worked all summer babysitting two children and prepared to go away to college. She started S.U.U. in August and adjusted quickly to college life. It was a hard reality for us to have her gone but she has done a great job her first semester of college. She lives in an apartment-type dorm with 5 other girls and has quickly made many new friends. She still plays the violin and is going to be in orchestra next semester. Something she missed greatly last semester! She sings in the Institute choir and takes Institute classes. She has decided to study Elementary Education and will be starting her pre-requisite classes for the education program next semester. She is currently serving on the Enrichment Committee in the Relief Society in her ward in Cedar City. She is a beautiful, smart, capable young woman and we are so proud of her! She is such a wonderful daughter and sister and we are so happy and excited that she is able to venture out and start her own life (but we sure do miss her!!!).

Cari is busy trying to keep up with everything. It is a challenge having children of all different ages from adult down to toddler. She worked for a short time this year for Provo City as the Volunteer Coordinator. She enjoyed her work (everything but pulling a trailer!) but it was just taking too much time away from her family so she ended up quitting. She is currently serving as the Primary First Counselor and on the Activities Committee at church. She enjoys being a mom and all the busyness that goes along with that. She still enjoys the piano and tries to work on hobbies when she gets the chance. She is looking forward to working on some home improvements this coming year.

Lee is working hard as ever building his Real Estate business. He has been blessed with many great opportunities this year and looking forward to a great year next year. He still occasionally does cabinet work, something that he just can’t seem to let go! He is very involved in church and serves as the Young Men’s President, the Venturer Scout leader, and until recently, the Teacher Improvement Coordinator and Teacher. He also is a home teacher to eight families. He gets to have Jake as a home teaching companion for four of his families which has been a great experience. He camps a lot with the scouts. It is fun for him since his boys get to go with him. When he gets the chance, he enjoys golfing but he doesn’t get to do that very often!

We’ve had an exciting year and looking back we can see just how blessed we are. In August, a Super Cell Storm hit Provo. All the telephone polls on our street were blown over and we were left homeless for four days! Cari was caught out in it and is very grateful for her ugly but sturdy van! It was an extremely scary experience but we are so blessed that our home wasn’t damaged and no one got hurt! We are also grateful for our family who helped us out. We’ve survived storms, bear attacks, accidents, and a daughter leaving home for college. It has been a year of changes and challenges but we are so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who continues to bless us daily.

We hope 2007 brings happiness and peace to all! We wish the best for you and your families!
With much love,
The Houghton’s
Lee, Cari, Elisabeth, Jake, Scott, Cole, Max, and Emma

I'm Back...

Well, I hope I haven't completely lost the 3 readers I had. Things haven't been the best lately and for the sake of not sounding too negative, I chose not to post. I tried so hard to stay in the Christmas Spirit but it just hasn't worked. I tried to convince myself that the presents aren't what's important at Christmas. You see, Lee hasn't gotten paid yet. We are expecting a check any day now but it's not here. I started to panic last week when the only present I had was a magazine subscription that I could pay later for. I was really discouraged and ready to give up on the whole Christmas thing until my mother-in-law gave me my Christmas present early. She usually gives the same amount every year so when she gave it to me on Saturday, I just stuck it in my desk when I got home and didn't really think too much about it because I was planning on waiting to use it. Well, on Monday, Lee informed me that he wasn't sure if we would be paid in time to use the money for Christmas. He suggested we use the Christmas money that my mother-in-law gave us for small presents for the kids so at least they'd have something to open on Christmas morning and we would make it up to them when he got paid. I hate doing that because my mother-in-law gets mad at me when I do that but really, what choice did I have? So, I opened the envelope and about died! There was 5 times the usual amount of money in it for both me and Lee! Later Monday night, we had a visitor deliver a gift card to use for Christmas also. How blessed are we to be the recipients of such generocity! So, for the past two days I've been a shopping animal catching up on the gift buying. I was planning on making some presents but since I couldn't buy the materials, it just isn't going to happen as of today. I've decided, that shopping really is fun as long as you have a little bit of money. As of today, I am almost done with the shopping part and wrapping. I feel much better! I can go over to the inlaws on Christmas day and truly say that I got something I wanted. I can't wait to see the kids open their presents Christmas morning! They are going to be so suprised! I just hope my Mother-in-law understands. One of these days, I'll be able to use my Christmas money for something like new clothes. But for now, it has been used to make other's happy and that makes me happy.

How To Fake It At Christmas

Are you a Christmas Faker?
I think I am to some degree! (But just for the record, I in no way agree with this lady about the inlaws or my husband isn't "spreading joy"! That would be a holiday "ho-no"!) This was just so funny, I thought I'd share. ENJOY!!!

Happy St. Nick!

One favorite tradition in our family is that on December 4th we put our wooden shoes out and when we wake up on December 5th, St. Nick has come and filled them with treats. My dad's family is Dutch and we have celebrated the Dutch Christmas for as long as I can remember. Well, St. Nick delivered again yesterday.

(I have a new candy weakness...Candy Cane Hershey Kisses. YUM!) (Elisabeth...your shoe is coming!)

We usually make Oliebollen (donut holes) but I'm sad to say didn't happen last night. I'll have to make it up to the kids when Elisabeth comes home.

But the kids were happy.

That's all that matters right?

(Here's Emma modeling her new necklace and ring and enjoying her candy entirely too much! Yes, that's chocolate and candy cane all over her face! Between the candy from the parade on Saturday and now St. Nick, she's going to be on a sugar high until New Year's!)

It's a Christmas Miracle!

Saturday, after the fun-filled Provo Christmas Parade, we went to surprise my mom with a visit but she wasn't home. So, instead of turning around to drive back home, we thought we'd stop at South Towne Mall to pay Santa a visit.

That's when the Christmas Miracle happened...

Emma RAN right up and jumped on Santa's lap and started talking to him!

Anyone who knows Emma can understand that this kind of thing just doesn't happen with this child. She isn't always the friendly-type and certainly doesn't go to strangers.

But then is Santa really a stranger?

She was pretty darn excited to see him in the parade earlier.

Who ever knows with kids!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

At 6:30 this morning Emma and Max were about bouncing off the walls,

"It snowed! It snowed!"

Max wanted to get dressed and go outside. Emma wanted to make a "noman". I just wanted to go back to bed. (I wish I could be excited when it snowed.) I started to stress out that the kids didn't have gloves for school. (I should say, they HAVE gloves, it's just chances are they didn't put them away.) I was right. The frantic search for gloves began. I managed to find two right-hand gloves (one green the other black). Where their matches are is a mystery. After searching some more, I remembered that my mom had given me some clothes recently that had a couple pairs of gloves in it. I brought them out and Max was happy but they were too girlie for Cole. So, finally after about an hour of searching, Jake gave up his.

I don't know what it is with gloves and socks in my family! I hate that they are things we need because my children have the dangdest time keeping track of them! Anyway...The kids all got off to school and things calmed down.

Emma kept wanting to go out to make a "noman" all day. She spent most of the day looking out the window. Unlike last year when she hated the snow, today she was facinated. She couldn't wait to go outside!

Finally, after lunch, we ventured out in the cold snow

to make our "noman".

(Notice the big gloves. Her gloves mysteriously disappeared also!)

The snow was too wet and had already started to melt by then so we made a tiny "noman". We found sticks for the arms, used two pennies for the eyes and a blade of grass for the mouth.

(Like I said, it was tiny! )

I showed Emma how to make a ball and she made the head. She was proud!

It was the cutest little "noman" ever!

Then we took a walk to the mailbox and made footprints on all my neighbors' lawns. (Emma really liked that!)

It was so cold so we went in after that but

she sure was happy!

"Kickoff to Christmas"

I usually wait until December to set up the Christmas decorations. This year has brought a new twist to our tradition. With Elisabeth away at school, I still wanted her to be able to particpate in decorating the tree, so we adopted an idea that I read on someone's blog (I can't remember where). We had a "Kickoff to Christmas" tonight. We set the tree up (No small feat with our stand broken. I hope you don't notice the string tied to the windows! Classy.) and decorated it with our traditional ornaments we've collected through the years. Emma really got into the decorating. Jake kept us laughing. It was a fun time. Hopefully, our tree will stay standing for one more season -- broken stand and all.

Then we had hot chocolate with marshmallows and candy canes.

The kids drew names for Christmas presents. We talked about some fun things we were going to do this month to enjoy the season. We talked about some things we could do for others this year. We have been so blessed this year that we feel the need to do for others so we are thinking of things to do. I told the kids that since I have tried to focus on what I am thankful for over the past few weeks, I have realized just how blessed we are. So, just as the song goes..."Because I have been given much, I too must give." We decided to focus more on the "giving" part of Christmas. I'll let you know how this goes!

Happy Christmas Season to All!

Day 23

Happy Thanksgiving !!!!
Today, I'm thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who has blessed me with far more than I deserve. I'm especially thankful for my family, my extended family, friends, neighbors, and ward members who bless my life just by knowing them. I'm thankful for beauty everywhere I look. I'm thankful for my talents and ablitities and the talents of others that bless my life. I'm thankful for memories. I'm thankful for opportunities. I'm thankful for yummy food that I enjoy far too much! I'm thankful for warm clothes and shelter. I'm thankful for knowledge of both temporal and spiritual things. I'm thankful for my membership in the church. I'm thankful for my simple but strong testimony. I'm thankful that I get to serve the children of our ward. I'm thankful for laughter and joy. I'm thankful for love.

*********************

Here's some pictures from our Thanksgiving dinner (once dinner started I forgot to take pictures! These are pre-dinner pictures.)

Fun Times!

Day 22

Here's what I'm thankful for today...

I was sitting at the computer tonight and Lee said,

"Hey, look at our wall-to-wall kids!"

It put a big smile on my face and my heart swelled with love and pride.

I'm SO thankful!!!!

(I love that all three teenagers can share a beanbag chair!)

Day 21 of My Month of Thanks

Yea!!! She's home safe and sound!

Elisabeth came home for Thanksgiving and I am so happy! It's so nice to have her actually here to talk to and laugh with. (It was fun catching up tonight!) I have really missed her!

I'm thankful today for Elisabeth and for the joy that she is!

Day 20...

Happy Birthday to the cutest 7-year-old in the world!!!!

Today, Max turned 7! I don't think I've ever seen a child so excited for his birthday. Max finds joy in everything. He even got excited over new socks!

My mom, Cortney, Julia, Jack and I went to his class today to celebrate his birthday. It was the cutest thing ever. The class sat in a circle and each took a turn saying why they liked Max. It was really fun to hear how well-liked he is. He's a good kid and such a nice boy. Today in his mailbox, he got a few notes from his friends. Here's the cutest one from a girl named Ashley:

"Dear Max,

Happy Birthday. I hoa (hope) you have a wonderfull day! A speshl (special) wish is comeing your way! You are growing fast.

Love: Ashley"

Is that too cute!

Here are some pictures from his class:

He spent the evening playing with his presents. He's very proud of his "first ever cabin" he "ever made"!

Today, I'm thankful for Max!

I can't believe he's already 7. Time is flying by.

Day 19...

Today, I am thankful for telephones.

I'm so thankful I have a way to communicate with my daughter who's miles away right now. I can't wait till Tuesday when she comes home!

Day 18

I found out last night that my grandma is in the process of dying. They have given her about two weeks. It's all I could think about today. I know it's a good thing for her because her mind is gone now and is so weak and in pain.

After being inactive in the church for most of her adult life, about 6 years ago she came back into the church and was sealed in the temple to my grandfather. My mom and her brother who has passed away were also sealed to them. It's a great comfort to know that she will be able to see them soon. She has missed them greatly. I know she will be much happier.

Tonight I am thankful for the knowledge I have of

the Plan of Salvation.

I know that when she passes, she will be with my grandfather and loved ones that have gone before and that someday, I'll be able to see all of them again.

I am so thankful that I have many great memories.

They are priceless!

I'm thankful my children have been able to know their "Grandma-great".

Many don't have the chance to know great grandparents in this life.

I'm thankful that she is being well taken care of right now.

The hospice nurses are making sure she is comfortable. Since she has been in so much pain, this is a great blessing.

I'm thankful for love and for family.

Day 17

Max's 7th birthday is Monday.

When I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, he said that all he wanted was a sleepover with his boy cousins.

So, tonight, his birthday wish was granted.

Max had a sleepover with all the boy cousins his age. Sam, Ross, Zach, and Ethan all came and they had a blast!

They were all so good! I got them each a little car, brought out the blocks and some 2x4's and they were busy for over an hour!

There were race tracks and ramps all over the living room.

They had so much fun!

We made english muffin pizzas and mac-n-cheese for dinner and had cupcakes for dessert. (Since my oven isn't working yet, I had to rely on Hostess for the cupcakes. Not the best but, hey, you do what you can! He was happy.

He was so excited to open his presents. I can't believe the great presents he got!

He's one lucky boy!

After that, we watched the movie Cars and had popcorn and licorice.

I'm suprised they finally went to sleep after the sugar high!

Tonight, I'm thankful that Max loves to spend time with his cousins and that they have such a great time together!

Day 16 of My Month of Thanks...

My Van Is Back!!!

Well, I've been without my van for almost a week. As it turned out, the problem was the fuel pump. We ended up having to replace both the fuel pump and the fuel filter. So, thanks to best mechanic on the face of the earth our van is fixed. He's is the best!

The repair cost came to much more than we can afford right now and he was willing to do the repairs and allow us to pay him little by little. Like I said,

He's the best!

Today, I am thankful to our wonderful mechanic (and friend) for helping us!

I'm so thankful I don't have to walk out in the cold weather with Emma. Although, it was good to get some exercise!

Month of Thanks --- Day 15

When the church came out with the new format for Enrichment Night I wasn't too thrilled. To be honest with you, I thought their would be problems with it. I thought that the sisters would form cliques and not be able to get to know the rest. I also thought that the groups wouldn't actually meet like they were supposed to. But I'm here to say

how wrong I was!

I've been involved in two focus groups now and

I love it.

Tonight I attended the first meeting of our Financial Planning group. First off, there were sisters there that I hardly knew and I was so excited to be in this class with them so I can get to know them better. Sister Cook and Sister Harward went to a class at Education Week and are sharing what they learned there with us. Tonight Sister Cook was telling us how she has applied what she learned and is experiencing great results. We are going to be learning about how to get out of debt, save money, gain wealth, and how to teach our children what we learn.

I left tonight with great hope and excitement that I would be able to do this and get my finances in control (and also acquire wealth along the way).

So, tonight I am thankful for knowledge and

the opportunity to gain knowledge.

I am also thankful for Relief Society and the great sisters that are in our ward.

Month of Thanks --- Day 14

What do you get when you have:

a crazy bus ride to Timpview High School with 53 excited first graders,

a talented cast of high school students,

a jam-packed auditorium full of bouncing first graders,

an awesome show complete with special effects and wolves running up and down the isles,

a thundering "oooooooo!" when Belle walks out in her yellow hooped-skirt gown,

a son who thought it was so cool that he got to have a front row seat to see Gaston stab the beast and also to see the Beast push Gaston over the wall,

a loud EWWWW when Belle and the Beast kiss at the end,

a recap of the show from an adorable little girl on the bus ride back (singing included of course!),

a son that had a smile on his face the entire time?

One GREAT field trip!!!!

I am so thankful today for the opportunity to share this with Max.

What a fun but crazy time! Those first graders sure know how to have fun! I just love how everything is exciting to them. Such an enjoyable morning!

Day 13...

Today, I'm thankful that my mountain of laundry

(that's what a pile is called when doing laundry for 7)

has turned into a small ant hill.

(It was one of those exciting days.)

Month of Thanks -- Day Twelve

There's nothing like listening to children sing in church.

Since I've been in the Primary for probably close to 15 of the 19 years I've been married, I've been a part of many Sacrament Meeting Programs and it never fails...I get teary-eyed every time! Sometimes it hits when the children are learning the songs, other times it's during a practice. Today, was our ward's Sacrament Meeting Program and the tears hit during the song "Holding Hands Around the World." The Spirit just hit me when they sang these words:

"There are children sharing all around the world,
Leading other children to the gospel fold.
With the strength of youth, we do the Father's work.
With our hearts and our hands we will serve.
We are covenant children with a gift to give.
We will teach the gospel by the way we live.
With each word and action, we will testify:
We believe, and we serve Jesus Christ.

We are children holding hands around the world,
Like an army with the gospel flag unfurled.
We are led by His light,
And we love truth and right.
We are building the kingdom of God. "

This generation of children is incredible!

I remember being a young woman and my church leaders would tell us that our children will be among the strongest spirits that have lived on the earth. I truly believe this to be true. When you stop and think of all these children are faced with on a daily basis, it is overwhelming. I thought life was difficult when I was young, but the pressures and influences that surround these children are a hundred times worse! I think that this song represents the great spirits these children have. They are all examples to me and so...

Today, I am grateful for the strength and examples of children.

I am thankful to have the opportunity to work with these strong spirits who teach me far more than I could ever teach them.

Day Eleven...

Today is Veteran's Day.
This is a day that makes me pause and reflect on the many men and women that have made it possible for me to live as I do. It's always had a special place in my heart. My grandfather was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War.

This is a picture of him when he was actually only 17 years old getting ready to go off to war. He lied about his age (I guess there were ways of doing that back then!) because he wanted to serve our country so badly. It just amazes me the bravery that he showed along with all of our veterans. One thing that I am thinking about today is how much I take it for granted the freedoms that we all enjoy. I see bumper stickers all over that say, "Home of the Free because of the Brave." How true this is! I can't imagine willingly leaving your family and friends and not knowing if you will make it back alive! It's mind-boggling to me.

So, today I am so very thankful for our veterans and those fighting for freedom right now. I'm also grateful to their families who make so many sacrifices as well.

I'm thankful to live in a free country and I am well aware it is because of our brave veterans.

Day Ten...

I'm thankful today for a home teacher willing to drop everything to help us out tonight.

Our van stalled in Orem and he sacrificed his Friday night to tow us. When I thanked him he said, "Oh, I'm just glad I get the chance to actually do something as your home teacher!" Whatever! He was implying that he's not a good home teacher because he doesn't necessarily come over every month. I told him, just as I have my visiting teachers, that just to know that you are there and willing to help. (Just as my awesome visiting teacher did for me when I called her for help. She left work early to help me! If that's not sisterly love I don't know what is!) That's all we need (and maybe treats every now and then!). He's such a nice guy and checks in with us often. I know he's there if we need him. So, tonight I say....

Thank you Bro. Tueller!!! You're Awesome!

Month of Thanks --- Day Nine

Today, I took Emma to visit with my Mom.

My mom was full of energy and looked younger than me!

For those who may not know, my mom suffers from Multiple sclerosis and for the past probably six months (at least) she hasn't had a voice. Something in her vocal chords was paralyzed. They really didn't expect her voice to ever come back. She could only talk with a quiet whisper. She would tell me that she felt like she was yelling all day just so people could hear her and it was exhausting. I think this past year has been especially hard on her. She's been in charge of taking care of my Grandmother who had a stroke and keeping up with my dad and all us kids and grandkids -- honestly, I don't know how she does it and add her health problems on top of it, it is just amazing to me! But about two weeks ago, she woke up one morning and had her voice back! Ever since that, her energy level has sky-rocketed. I can't keep up with her these days that's for sure! We walked in and she came running up to Emma, all smiles, to give her a big hug. She was so excited to see Emma! I love how she shows her grandchildren how much she loves them! She has a way to make everyone around her feel special. She had on jeans, a little lime-green sweater, and her signature pearls she hasn't taken off since my dad gave them to her! (I wish I had inherited her great style!) She looked 10 years younger at least! It was loads of fun talking with her. It's fun to talk face to face with her because she uses hand gestures and slaps her knee when she laughs. It's great! I left wondering why I don't visit more! I talk to her just about everyday on the phone but I don't go up to see her as often as I could. I need to do more of that!

Today, I am thankful for my mom and that she is doing so much better!!! She's the BEST!!!

Day Eight was Great! (cheesy...I know. But it was!)

I love when a boring hum-drum kind of day turns out to be really fun! It was a Gorgeous day today. The weather--PERFECT. I had to pass some notes out to Primary children who weren't there Sunday so they would know what was going on for the Primary Program this week. I thought it was perfect weather for a walk so Emma and I ventured out to get our notes out. I love being in a neighborhood long enough that I see a familiar face whenever I take a walk. I ran into about 3 ward members who I stopped to visit with.

There are some good people around here!

After the notes were distributed, we were heading home when

the AMAZING Sister Cook

(scroll down to August 23rd on cjane's blog to read all about Sister Cook)

came out to say hi.

I just love this woman!

She's right up there with my mom on my list of favorite women. She had her 4-yr-old granddaughter and one of my favorite Primary children (is that wrong to have favorites?) over playing princesses. They were dressed in dresses and had just finished putting their "makeup"on. They were darling! This little Primary girl saw Emma and ran up and gave her and me a big hug. (so cute!) Sister Cook invited us in to play so I said that we would love to. The girls took Emma into the office to print her off a princess picture for her to color and they went into the family room to color them. The Cook's house is so beautiful and I was so impressed that she wasn't the least bit worried that her beige carpet would get drawn on or painted on. She told me to relax..."it's just carpet!" What a fun grandma! She had a bag of old makeup the girls were playing with and they took Emma into the bathroom to make her over.

Here's the result:

Gorgeous! This is when we got home so half of it had already worn off! (nice smile.)

Here the princess is with her princess picture. Sister Cook even gave her a pretty little bracelet!

Emma was in heaven!

It was just such a fun visit! While the girls played, I had the chance to visit with Sis. Cook. She is such a remarkable person. Everytime I'm done talking with her, I feel like I've learned so much and I feel like a better person. I don't really know how else to explain it. She's such a great lady! It was a fun afternoon. Emma had a blast playing with the "big girls" and I had a blast visiting with an amazing lady!

Today, I am thankful for the opportunity to know such a lady and for a lovely afternoon!

Thank you Sister Cook!

Day Seven

A friend of mine just lost her father last week. (Just two weeks after having a beautiful baby girl.) It just seems like so much for one person to take. I really don't know how she is keeping it together! She's a lot stronger than I would have ever been!

While I was visiting with her today, she shared with me some of what she was going through. I just don't know how she is getting through this. I can't imagine what it is like to loose one of your parents. I thought I was going to go over to comfort her but as it turned out, she ended up talking and I was able to gain from her experience. I don't know how to explain it. She was telling me of things that I need to do with my parents before they are gone and gave me some suggestions of things to take care of. She told me to not take time for granted. It just broke my heart.

I am thankful today for my sweet friend and for her words of wisdom she shared with me.

I hope and pray that the days and weeks ahead will bring her happiness and peace.

Month of Thanks -- Day Six

Today, I am thankful that Jake and Scott didn't set the backyard (and the house for that matter!) on fire this afternoon.

They were making match rockets (or so they say) on the back patio this afternoon while I was running errands.

Boys sometimes!!!

I'll never understand the facination with fire and rockets and such.

____________________

This reminded me of the night before Thanksgiving 11 years ago...

Jake was four; Scott 2.

Elisabeth and I were in my bedroom watching t.v. when the smoke alarm went off. Of course I jump up and ran into the kitchen/dining area just to find a

fire in my oven!

I was baking a chicken for dinner and the boys had propped open the oven door with a plastic Happy Meal bucket (the kind they used to pass out at Halloween). They had been throwing all kinds of things into the oven -- plastic silverware, napkins, stocking cap, toys, mittens, sweatshirt...you name it, it was probably in there!

Flames were coming out of the oven and those little boys still kept throwing things in! I don't know how they didn't get hurt. I shut the oven door, turned off the oven, grabbed the kids and headed to the neighbor's to call 911. We were all okay but my house was full of ashes and I no longer had an oven or stove.

I'll never understand why they would do something like this.

At that house, we had a wood burning stove so maybe they thought it was cool when Lee started a fire in it? We'll never know. To this day Jake or Scott don't remember doing it. But coming home this afternoon to see them lighting matches and laughing brought this memory back. Luckily, no fire today.

I'm thankful for that!